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Gilay Estate, Quirindi, Australia by Cameron Anderson Architects

Project name:
Gilay Estate
Architecture firm:
Cameron Anderson Architects
Location:
Quirindi, NSW, Australia
Photography:
Morning Swim Studio
Principal architect:
Cameron Anderson
Design team:
Gregor Tait, Morgan Reid
Collaborators:
Kelley Covey Group, Black Lab Solar, Building Sustainability Assessments, BEMC
Interior design:
Cameron Anderson Architects
Built area:
40 m²
Site area:
Design year:
2023
Completion year:
2024
Civil engineer:
Kelley Covey Group
Structural engineer:
Kelley Covey Group
Environmental & MEP:
Building Sustainability Assessments
Landscape:
Somewhere Landscape Architects
Lighting:
Cameron Anderson Architects
Supervision:
Cameron Anderson Architects
Visualization:
Cameron Anderson Architects
Tools used:
Lumion
Construction:
Aztek Constructions
Material:
Custom Orb cladding and roofing and Shou Sugi Ban jarrah Timber cladding, Steel portal frames
Budget:
Undisclosed
Client:
Gilay Estate
Status:
Built
Typology:
Tourism Accommodation

Cameron Anderson Architects: Gilay Estate is an off grid, luxury farm stay accommodation building located just outside of Quirindi on the Liverpool Plans in regional NSW. The building is sited on a gently undulating site with its elevated position offering uninterrupted views of the Liverpool Plains. The small building has an internal area of just 40m2 and comprises a wrapping sheet metal roof form that protects the building from the elements and mimics the enclosure of a tent structure. Extensive double glazing maximises Southern views while Western and Northern glazing are protected by roof overhangs to eliminate Summer sun. The building incorporates a 6.4kw off grid solar system with 11.4kw of battery storage and utilises 100% rainwater for use within the building stored within a 60,000L water tank. Consultation was carried out with the local aboriginal lands council throughout the design process. Charred timber cladding was utilised as a way of representing traditional burning and regeneration while also assisting in letting the building disappear into the landscape, while the warm timber interior contrasts the dark exterior to represent regrowth and healing. The building is largely open plan with a sleeping space within the main living area. A large desk maximises opportunities for remote working and a small private bathroom is tucked away but offers Western views. A feature of the roof is a large curved cutaway which helps maximise views to the West while still providing adequate overhang for summer shading.

What were the key challenges?

Key challenges include the site being reasonably remote in terms of services and trades which required a skilled builder and elements of prefabrication for the main structural system. The building also needed to function as an off grid building so utilises off grid solar and extensive rainwater reuse.

What are the sustainability features?

6.4kw off grid solar system with 11.4kw of battery storage

60,000L of rainwater storage

Double glazed windows and doors

Sustainable materials

Large overhangs for summer shading

Thermal mass

Native landscape plantings

Waste water treatment

use of off cut building materials for kitchen joinery

What was the brief?

To provide a unique, off grid tourism accommodation experience for couples on a large working property in the Liverpool Plains region of NSW and to establish the town of Quirindi as a tourism destination


By Naser Nader Ibrahim

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